Build the Ultimate Picture Framing Jig

As simple as they may seem, picture frames can prove to be an intimidating project for most beginning woodworkers. That's because it can be pretty difficult to cut perfectly matched 45-degree mitered corners. If you're off by even 1/16-in. on any of the four frame components, you'll be left with a slight gap that makes glue-up an absolute nightmare.

Woodworker Robert Hamon's picture frame jig makes the process a great deal easier however. Hamon's jig, a tablesaw sled, uses two fences of different lengths. A short fence is used to make the initial miter cut on the right-hand side of the molding; a long fence is then used to cut the left-hand miter. That longer fence incorporates a ruler and a stop block that allow moldings to be cut to precise, repeatable lengths, and hold-down's keep your workpieces secured to the sled during cutting.

Download the free plan and learn how to build your own custom framing jig, complete with tips on frame construction. But be careful if you're using a SawStop tablesaw with blade braking technology. You won't be able to cut the aluminum ruler seen in this plan on a SawStop without first disabling the blade brake. If you'r using a conventional tablesaw with a carbide blade however, you'll do just fine. Carbide can handle cutting through aluminum with no problem at all.

I like this article because of the ruler that is used for measuring the frame. It seams to be the best around so far, but I wish someone would come up with a jig to cut the matting that the picture would fit in. Have any ideas let me know?